SHANGHAI —— Shanghai GM and the China Environment Culture Promotion Association (CECPA) launched the Drive to Green environmental crowdfunding platform in Beijing during World Environment Day on 5 June.

The first-of-its-kind programme in China combines online crowdfunding with environmental protection. It is pooling the resources of contributors to support environmental programmes nationwide.

The No Shark Fin Project petition, Rendu Ocean & Coast Environmental Education Programme, and Internet + Recycling programme for scrap paper are among the first projects that will receive their initial funding and support from the Drive to Green environmental crowdfunding platform.

The programme is also promoting eco-friendly practices and a green lifestyle. Individuals and environmental organisations are encouraged to create and share ideas related to environmental protection through the programme’s website: www.drivetogreen.com.

“The Drive to Green environmental crowdfunding platform will attract public attention to green ideas and projects while increasing the diversity of funding sources to pave the way for long-term environmental projects.”

Shanghai GM President Wang Yongqing said, “By partnering with CECPA in the Drive to Green environmental crowdfunding platform, we will leverage the power of the Internet to create a driving force for environmental causes in China. This is in line with Shanghai GM’s belief that sustainable development requires cooperation between companies and society.”

Shanghai GM has made the protection of the environment a priority in its products and facilities as well as among its suppliers. It announced its initial Drive to Green strategy in 2008. In April 2015, Shanghai GM rolled out its 2016-2020 Drive to Green five-year plan. The plan is promoting the development of green products, green manufacturing and green responsibility.

General Motors traces its roots back to 1908. GM has 11 joint ventures, two wholly owned foreign enterprises and more than 58,000 employees in China. GM and its joint ventures offer the broadest lineup of vehicles and brands among automakers in China. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles are sold under the Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Jiefang, and Wuling brands. In 2014, GM sold more than 3.5 million vehicles in China.